Where does Vietnam export rice to? Types of rice exported
Where does Vietnam export rice to? This is a question that many businesses new to the rice industry, investors, or simply people interested in Vietnamese agriculture ask — especially against the backdrop of a highly volatile global rice market in 2025-2026, with Vietnam having just overtaken Thailand to become the world’s second-largest rice exporter, behind only India.
In this article, 3W Logistics compiles a full picture of Vietnam’s rice export landscape — from the leading import markets and shifting market structure trends, to the common types of export rice and which variety suits which market segment, from the perspective of a forwarder with more than 10 years of experience shipping agricultural exports.
1. Overview of Vietnam’s rice export position in 2025-2026
In 2025, Vietnam’s rice exports reached approximately 8.06-8.1 million tonnes, worth over USD 4 billion, down roughly 11-13% in volume and nearly 28-29% in value compared to 2024 — the sharpest decline in many years, driven by a global rice supply glut after India lifted its export restrictions, pushing Asian rice prices to their lowest in nearly a decade. Even so, Vietnam retained its position as the world’s second-largest rice exporter.
Moving into the first half of 2026, rice exports reached about 5.2 million tonnes, worth USD 2.38 billion — up nearly 10% in volume but slightly down in value as the average price fell to around USD 459.6 per tonne. This is the key context for answering the question of where Vietnam exports rice to in the current period, as the market structure undergoes a notable shift.
Strategic direction: Under Decision 583/QD-TTg approving the Strategy for Developing Vietnam’s Rice Export Market to 2030, Vietnam’s policy is to gradually reduce export volume while increasing added value, focusing on fragrant rice, high-quality rice, and organic rice, while diversifying import markets to reduce dependence on a handful of traditional partners.
2. Where does Vietnam export rice to? Top leading import markets
Answering the question of where Vietnam exports rice to directly, data from the first half of 2026 shows a market picture still heavily concentrated among a few traditional partners, but with clear signs of diversification.
| Market | Share (by Value) | Trend & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Philippines | ~45% | The largest market for many consecutive years, but declining slightly (-3.8% in the first 5 months of 2026) as the country increases domestic intervention and adjusts its import volume management policy |
| China | ~19.4% | A strong comeback, with export value up as much as 87% in the first 5 months of 2026, mainly importing sticky rice and high-quality fragrant rice |
| Ghana | ~8.5% | A key African market, though slowing slightly compared to its impressive growth in 2025 |
| Indonesia, Malaysia | Fluctuates by season | Two traditional Southeast Asian markets, with import volume heavily dependent on each country’s annual domestic food reserve policy |
| Ivory Coast, Bangladesh, other African markets | Highly volatile | Saw a surge in growth in 2025 (Bangladesh up more than 155-fold) but some markets adjusted downward in early 2026 following that sharp rise |
| Iraq and other emerging markets | Surging growth | Iraq recorded the highest growth among the top 15 markets, more than 130 times year-over-year — a positive signal for the diversification strategy |
| Japan, EU, Canada, Singapore | Small share, high value | A group of “demanding” markets with growing demand, mainly importing specialty fragrant rice and low-emission rice at significantly higher prices |
3. Analysis of key markets
Philippines — the largest market, but increasingly volatile
For many years, the Philippines has been the top destination when answering where Vietnam exports rice to, accounting for nearly half of total export value. However, from 2025-2026, the country applied a temporary import suspension during certain periods to protect domestic rice prices, before lifting it again in early 2026 with a plan to import about 3.6 million tonnes of rice, of which 75-80% is expected to come from Vietnam. This heavy reliance on a single market means Vietnam’s rice industry is significantly affected whenever the Philippines adjusts its policy.
China — a traditional market making a strong comeback
After a period of slowdown, China is reclaiming its position as the second-largest market with impressive growth in value, focused mainly on sticky rice and high-quality fragrant rice — two product lines well-suited to this market’s consumption habits and food-processing needs.
Africa and emerging markets — a driver of diversification
Ghana, Ivory Coast, Bangladesh, and Iraq are notable names in the market-expansion strategy, helping reduce dependence on the Philippines. While some of these markets fluctuate significantly year to year due to the particularities of import and food-reserve policy, this group still plays an important role in absorbing large volumes of standard white rice.
4. Types of rice Vietnam exports
Beyond the question of markets, Vietnam’s export rice varieties are also highly diverse, falling into four main groups by characteristics and market segment.
| Rice Group | Representative Varieties | Characteristics & Main Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty fragrant rice | ST25, ST24, Jasmine 85, Huong Lai, Dai Thom 8 | Soft, mildly to distinctly fragrant when cooked; ST25 has been awarded World’s Best Rice; targets high-income markets such as the EU, Australia, North America, Japan, and premium supermarket chains |
| Standard white rice | OM 5451, Japonica, Nang Hoa, RVT | Accounts for the largest share thanks to abundant supply and affordable pricing; suited to mass consumer demand in the Philippines, Africa, and Southeast Asia |
| Sticky rice | Nep Cai Hoa Vang, Nep IR 4625 | Round, opaque-white grains with high stickiness thanks to a high amylopectin content; exported mainly to China for making cakes, beverages, and traditional dishes |
| Broken rice, parboiled rice, and nutritional specialty rice | 5-25% broken rice, parboiled rice, brown rice, red rice, organic rice | Serves food-processing needs; the Middle East favors parboiled rice; brown rice and organic rice target the health-conscious segment in developed markets |
5. Which rice variety suits which market?
Understanding the relationship between types of export rice and each market helps businesses choose the right segment, avoiding misdirected investment when expanding into rice export.
| Market | Suitable Rice Type | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Philippines, Africa | Standard white rice (OM 5451, IR504…), 5-25% broken rice | High-volume food demand, prioritizing competitive pricing over specialty flavor |
| China | Sticky rice, high-quality fragrant rice | Demand for traditional food processing and consumer tastes increasingly shifting toward higher-quality rice |
| Middle East (Iraq and the region) | Parboiled rice, long-grain rice | Culinary preference for parboiled rice with a loose, non-sticky texture for cooking traditional dishes |
| EU, Japan, North America, Australia | Specialty fragrant rice (ST25, ST24), organic rice, low-emission rice | Consumers prioritize quality, traceability, and sustainability standards, and are willing to pay a premium |
From 3W Logistics’ practical experience: When advising rice exporters, we have found that the most common mistake is not choosing the wrong market, but choosing the wrong rice variety for the right market — sending standard white rice to Europe’s premium supermarket segment, or conversely investing in specialty fragrant rice for a market that prioritizes low-cost, high-volume rice, such as some African countries. Carefully researching the actual demand and consumer preferences of each market before signing a contract helps businesses avoid excess inventory and optimize export value. — Ms. Apple, CCO, 3W Logistics
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Vietnam’s rice exports
Question 1: Where does Vietnam export the most rice to today?
The Philippines remains the largest market, accounting for about 45% of Vietnam’s total rice export value in the first half of 2026, followed by China (~19.4%) and Ghana (~8.5%). However, the market structure is gradually diversifying, with the rise of markets such as Iraq and Bangladesh, as well as demanding markets like the EU and Japan.
Question 2: Which Vietnamese rice variety is most highly regarded in the world?
ST25 rice has been named World’s Best Rice at international rice competitions, and together with ST24 forms Vietnam’s premium specialty fragrant rice group, targeting high-income markets such as Europe, North America, and Japan at prices significantly higher than standard white rice.
Question 3: Why did Vietnam’s rice exports decline in 2025 compared to 2024?
The main cause was India lifting its rice export restrictions in 2025, sharply increasing global rice supply and pushing Asian rice prices to their lowest in nearly a decade. At the same time, some traditional markets such as the Philippines and Indonesia adjusted their import policies, causing demand to slow.
Question 4: Which rice variety should a new business start exporting with?
For new businesses, standard white rice (5% broken, 25% broken) is typically a safe starting choice thanks to stable supply and several high-volume consumer markets such as the Philippines and Africa. Once a business has gained experience and a partner network, it can expand into specialty fragrant rice or organic rice to increase value.
How does 3W Logistics support rice export?
As a freight forwarding company registered as an OTI-NVOCC with an FMC Bond (Federal Maritime Commission) in the United States, with more than 10 years of experience shipping agricultural exports, 3W Logistics accompanies Vietnamese rice businesses from market consulting through to customs clearance and delivery to the buyer’s warehouse.
- Consulting on market and rice variety selection: Using up-to-date market data to help businesses identify the right rice segment and export destination that matches their production capacity.
- Full-package rice export procedures: Assisting with documentation, the Certificate of Eligibility for Rice Export Business, phytosanitary quarantine, and fumigation in accordance with current regulations.
- Container booking and route optimization: Proposing the optimal shipping option for each market, from short routes such as the Philippines and China to longer routes such as Africa and the Middle East.
- Customs declaration and leveraging tariff preferences: Advising on the appropriate C/O so importing partners can benefit from tariff preferences under FTAs such as ASEAN and RCEP.
- Continuous market trend updates: Providing information on import policy changes in key markets so businesses can proactively adjust their export plans.
Why choose 3W Logistics for your rice export journey? Answering the question of where Vietnam exports rice to and choosing the right rice variety for each market is just the starting point — the sufficient condition is that the entire logistics chain, from warehouse to buyer, must be controlled consistently in terms of documentation, timing, and cost. We accompany businesses not just at the vessel-booking stage, but throughout the entire export journey. Contact 3W for specific advice on the market and route that best fits your rice product.
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Hotline: +84 28 3535 0087
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Address: 81A Tran Quoc Toan, Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi
Hotline: +84 24 3202 0482
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Address: 8A Lo 28 Le Hong Phong, Gia Vien Ward, Hai Phong
Hotline: +84 225 355 5939
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3W LOGISTICS CO., LTD – We here serve you there!
Email: info@3w-logistics.com
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Ms. Apple is the CCO (Chief Commercial Officer) at 3W Logistics, with over 10 years of experience in sales and business operations management.
At 3W Logistics, Ms. Apple is responsible for commercial strategy, corporate customer development, managing a team of more than 50 sales professionals, and improving business performance in the logistics sector.
With practical experience in sales management and market development, Ms. Apple shares professional insights on business logistics solutions, international transportation, freight forwarding, customer management, trade lane development, and growth strategies in the logistics industry.
